Gabriela López on Strategies To Boost Students’ Connection to School

Schools across the country are still grappling with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing chronic absenteeism, which remains well above pre-pandemic levels, is a particularly daunting challenge (FutureEd, 2023). While there is no single reason why more students are missing more days of school, it's clear that increasing students' sense of connection and belonging at school is central to making them feel more welcome, engaged, and motivated to make it to class.

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Over the past few years, many schools have implemented programs to promote student well-being, including increased access to counseling and new curriculum focused on supporting whole child development. But there are additional opportunities to build systems and structures that can help educators know their students more deeply, build stronger relationships, and make learning more relevant to students' lives-all of which can help to build stronger connections to school.

At the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), we partner with organizations to translate research on the science of learning and development into effective classroom practices and tools that help educators address day-to-day challenges. Today, this prominently includes addressing the gaps in connection and engagement that can lead to absenteeism. Just as we know that there is no single explanation for the rise in chronic absenteeism, we recognize that no single program or approach will create and sustain an environment of connection and belonging. But here are three innovative initiatives that show distinct promise and give schools new ways to deepen students' engagement with their education.

Read the full article text in ASCD's Educational Leadership.

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About the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society's toughest challenges - from eradicating disease and improving education, to addressing the needs of our communities. Through collaboration, providing resources and building technology, our mission is to help build a more inclusive, just and healthy future for everyone. For more information, please visit chanzuckerberg.com.